The difference between a pressure regulator and pressure relief valve

What is the difference between a pressure regulator and a pressure relief valve? In this blog, Fluid Controls outlines the purpose of each valve to help you decide whether you need a pressure regulator or pressure relief valve for your application.

What is a pressure regulator?

A pressure regulator works to control the pressure within an application. By adapting the inlet pressure levels, it maintains a steady outlet pressure. The regulator is reactive to the pressure of the liquid or gas and alters as necessary.

What is a pressure relief valve?

The purpose of a pressure relief valve is simply to relieve the pressure levels in a system when they reach a certain set point. The valve opens to ease the building pressure by allowing it to escape, then the valve closes when it has returned to a stable level. The main function of a pressure relief valve is to act as a safety device on a system, to prevent accidents by opening and providing a point of release.

The difference between a pressure regulator and pressure relief valve

The difference between a pressure regulator and a pressure relief valve is that relief valve is a safety feature, used as a last stop measure to prevent any accidents. Whereas, a pressure regular works within the system to maintain a steady pressure level the entire time.

Taking this into consideration, there is still a similarity between them, as they both work as a means of controlling the pressure levels. The regulator is a function working continually to keep the pressure controlled, whilst the relief valve comes into play when the pressure needs to be stabilised and pulled back to a normal level.

Pressure relief valves and pressure regulators from Fluid Controls

At Fluid Controls, we have a wide selection of pressure regulators available for an array of applications. Whether you are looking for a filter, back pressure or instrumentation regulator, our comprehensive range will cover it. For pressure relief valves, we stock the Parker HPRV series relief valve, for its wide pressure range and precision.

For guidance on whether you need a pressure regulator or pressure relief valve for your application, talk to the team at Fluid Controls today. Call us on 0118 970 2060 or email us at fluid@fluidcontrols.co.uk and we can help you understand the difference between a pressure regulator and pressure relief valve.

Why choose Fluid Controls as your filter regulator suppliers

At Fluid Controls, we supply a range of filter regulator units from brands such as Norgren and Parker. Filter regulators are extremely important to an application’s operation and longevity. Contaminants from pneumatic systems can cause damage to equipment if not properly filtered, therefore causing a longer downtime and inevitably higher application running costs. Here at Fluid Controls, we are proud Norgren and Parker filter regulator lubricator suppliers and are therefore fully trained on all aspects of the product. But why should you choose Fluid Controls as your filter regulator suppliers?

Our exceptional services

As a fully accredited ISO9001:2008 company, Fluid Controls has a strong commitment to quality. Our dedication to maintaining the highest standards is consistent throughout everything we approach, from telephone manner and technical advice, right through to the filter regulator units we supply. Fluid Controls aims to continually exceed the expectations of our customers and provide a service that is unmatched by any of our competitors.

As trustworthy filter regulator lubricator suppliers, Fluid Controls endeavours to put our customers at the heart of our business. As such, we aim to provide a wide range of exceptional services for customers across all industries. We pride ourselves on the high-quality services that we provide, including:

Full installation and service facility for all products supplied.

Parker Safety at Work Training.

Full pressure test and repair facility.

Cylinder regulators and assemblies.

In-house/On-site training.

Full technical back-up on all products supplied.

Our filter regulator stock

At Fluid Controls, we stock a large variety of filter regulator units for an array of applications and industries. Some of our top selling filter regulators include:

Norgren Filter Regulators Airline (FRL)

The Norgren ‘box set’ concept takes away that potential of parts being missing or incorrectly fitting, by giving you one product, one part number, at one price. The unit is pre-assembled before despatch and also includes a strong mounting bracket, pressure gauge and an exhausting shut off valve for isolation of the upstream supply. There are two choices, either a larger Olympian Plus Unit, or the smaller Excelon unit, each with their own special features to suit various applications.

Parker Filter Regulators

Parker has specifically designed a line of stainless steel filter, regulator, lubricator (FRL) components that meet NACE specifications and handle the toughest and most corrosive environments. The regulator diaphragm to valve area ratio is large to ensure precise pressure regulation and high flow capacity. Finite stainless steel filter regulators feature:

Coalescing, particulate and adsorption filter elements

Optional indicators, gauges and drains

Temperature to 175°F

316 stainless steel

Flows to 300 SCFM

Pressures to 300 PSIG

Speak to us today

For more information call Fluid Controls on 0118 970 2060 to speak to one of our friendly technicians, or email fluid@fluidcontrols.co.uk for more information about our full range of filter regulator units.

Pressure Regulator Catalogue

Fluid Controls offers a wide range of pressure regulator valves suitable for a number of applications. Our electronic pressure regulators, liquid pressure regulators and instrumentation regulators are supplied by prestigious brands in the industry; including Parker Veriflo, Thomson Valves, Dutch Regulators and Bürkert. Take a look at our comprehensive pressure regulator catalogue to find out more about what pressure regulating valves are suitable for your industry.

Low Pressure and Blanketing Regulators

Fluid Controls supplies a range of blanketing and low pressure regulators from Jordan Valve. Jordan Valve is an industry leader, founded in 1947. The brand manufactures hundreds of industrial pressure regulating valves and control valves and is known for its advanced sliding gate technology.

A firm favourite in the manufacturing sector, Jordan Valve provides the Mark 608 Series of pressure regulation valves that are ideal for low pressure air and gas applications. These are self contained regulators that can be used for tank blanketing, gas meter inlet pressure regulating and gas burners.

Sanitary and Pharmaceutical Regulators

Steriflow, a division of Jordan Valve, offers a range of Sanitary Pressure Regulators that we are proud to supply at Fluid Controls. The Mark 96 Series of Sanitary Pressure Regulators are designed to regulate pressure in systems that require sanitary and hygienic conditions. These pressure regulators are suitable for the clean steam, food and beverage, pharmaceutical and biochemical sectors.

Electronic Regulator

From leading manufacturer, Parker, the Lucifer EPP3 Series of Electronic Regulators is a remote-controlled collection of regulators suitable for pneumatic use. These Electronic Regulators use an integrated closed loop control system that ensures a controlled outlet pressure. The technologically advanced digital control system provides a high precision output that is ideal for use in robotics, printing, automotive and industrial sectors.

Fluid Controls is proud to work alongside leading manufacturers and can supply a complete range of electronic regulators to your business. We also offer Electronic Regulators from trusted brands, such as Proportion-Air and Parker Lucifer.

Instrumentation Regulators

Fluid Controls can supply a complete range of Instrumentation Regulators. We work with only the very best manufacturers in the industry, including Parker, Dutch Division regulators and Thompson Valves.

Parker’s Porter Instrumentation Division offer a specialist collection of control components that are suitable for analytical, industrial and medical applications. These pressure regulators are part of a unique range of control devices that set the industry standard for critical analytical instrument applications in the chemical, food and beverage, drug analysis and forensics industry.

Back Pressure Regulators

If you’re looking for back pressure regulators suitable for your business, Fluid Controls can help. We can supply a complete range of back pressure regulators from some of the industry’s premier manufacturers, including Burling Instruments, Parker Veriflo and Thompson Valves.

Parker Veriflo back pressure regulators provide precise control of inlet, upstream or back pressure for either an inlet or analyser system. The BR1 series of back pressure regulators are known for their reliable properties. These pressure regulators can be used in a number of different applications, typically in larger industrial applications.

Fluid Controls can supply piston style back pressure regulators, as well as spring loaded and dome loaded versions.

Dome Loaded and Air Loaded Regulators

Fluid Controls can supply a complete range of dome loaded and air loaded regulators from Thompson Valves, part of the highly respected IMI Precision Engineering family of manufacturers. Speak to a Fluid Controls adviser today and we will match your application specifications with the ideal Thompson Dome Loaded or Air Loaded Regulator.

Filter Regulators

If you’re looking for premium filter regulators for your business, Fluid Controls can supply a range of products from two influential manufacturers in the industry. We work closely with Parker and Norgren to bring you the highest quality filter regulators at the best prices.

Stainless steel Parker filter regulators and combination Norgren filter regulators provide quick response and accurate pressure regulation for the most demanding industrial air preparation applications. The B34 Series of Parker Filter Regulators has a compact design that is suitable for high moisture removal. By incorporating two units into one, the Miniature B34 filter regulator helps to save space and improves the efficiency of your process solutions.

Proportion Air Steam Regulators

Fluid Controls can supply steam regulators from leading brand, Proportion Air. Proportion Air specialises in closed loop electro-pneumatic controls and offers air pressure and steam pressure regulators for various industry sectors. The company was founded in 1985 and now uses advanced technology to improve various processes.

Proportion Air steam regulators have been designed to effectively produce steam ready for delivery at high pressure through a distribution network. However, the majority of high pressure applications will require a reduction in pressure at the point of use. Hence the requirement for a high-pressure steam regulator.

Proportion Air Pilot Operated Regulators

Fluid Controls can supply pilot operated regulators from leading industry brand, Proportion Air. Proportion Air specialises in closed loop electro-pneumatic controls and offers Pilot Operated Regulators for various industry sectors. The company was founded in 1985 and now uses advanced technology to improve various processes.

Proportion Air Pilot Operated Regulators are specifically designed for effective operation in extremely low pressure, high pressure and high flow rate applications. Proportion Air manufactures industrial and repeatable pressure regulators and pressure control valves, in order to provide a high performance, market leading solution.

Pressure regulator frequently asked questions

If you need more information about pressure regulating valves for water applications or you would like to know more about how an air pressure regulator valve works, you’ve come to the right place. Here, Fluid Controls answers your most frequently asked questions about pressure regulator valves.

What types of pressure regulators are there?

Fluid Controls offers various types of pressure regulators for use with liquid and gas applications including:

Dome loaded and air loaded regulators – Supplied by leading manufacturers, Thomson Valves, part of the prestigious IMI Precision Engineering family of manufacturers.

Sanitary and pharmaceutical regulators – Supplied by leading manufacturers, Steriflow, a division of Jordan Valve. Ideal for the maintenance of sanitary conditions.

Filter regulators – Options include stainless steel Parker Filter Regulators and a combination of Norgren Filter Regulators. They offer a quick response that meets the demands of the most difficult industrial air preparation applications.

Proportion air pilot operated regulators – Suitable for a variety of applications, specifically for extremely low pressure, high pressure and high flow rate applications.

Proportion air steam regulators – Suitable for producing steam for delivery at high pressure through a distribution network.

How does a pressure regulator work?

Pressure regulators are valves that automatically cut off the flow of a gas or liquid when it reaches a set pressure. The main function of a pressure regulator is to match the flow of gas or liquid whilst maintaining a constant output pressure.

The main function of the pressure regulator is to match the flow of liquid or gas through the application. To do this, the pressure regulator must respond to any changes to the flow load. If the flow load increases, then the regulator must also increase its own flow rate. Equally, if the flow load decreases, the pressure regulator must also decrease its flow rate. This ensures that the pressure in the application remains controlled. A pressure regulator works by reducing the supply (or inlet) pressure to the lower outlet. It will then maintain the lower outlet pressure, despite any fluctuations in the inlet pressure.

Air pressure regulator and how it works

Air pressure regulators work by passing air from the filtering chamber through the diaphragm and out of the vent. This maintains a balanced pressure across the diaphragm, by moving the range spring which holds down the diaphragm until the output pressure is high enough to lift it.

Air pressure regulators are widely used in pneumatics and are used to control the pressure of instrument air. This is required to power components such as power valve actuators, transmitters, controllers and control valves.

How do fluid pressure regulators work?

Fluid Controls supplies some of the very best pressure regulating valves for water from Bürkert. These fluid pressure regulating valves work on the principle of reducing pressure. They are made up of a housing, piston or diaphragm valve and an adjustable spring that maintains a constant pressure through the application. Pressure regulating valves for water are ideal for use in drinking water systems and various other industrial applications, such as pharmaceutical, waste water and power industries.

Fluid pressure regulators are used in hydraulic power systems to maintain a safe and efficient pressure level. In hydraulic power systems, fluid pressure regulators unload the fluid pump and regulate the operating pressure.

How do electronic air pressure regulators work?

Electronic air pressure regulators are used to increase or decrease gas pressure to maintain correct pressure. Electronic air pressure regulators use a solenoid valve to maintain the correct pressure for each application. They work by using a push valve and vent valve to maintain the outlet pressure at the desired pressure point. A digital controller adjusts the timing of the solenoid valve to maintain this pressure point.

If you’re ready to include pressure regulators in your plant, contact Fluid Controls on 0118 970 2060 or email fluid@fluidcontrols.co.uk for more information.

What is the difference between a relieving and a non-relieving regulator?

How important are filter regulators in air preparation applications?

The short answer, is ‘very’. Using a filter application in an air preparation article will help to save your business money, and will keep your energy usage down. Here’s why you should think twice about skipping a filter application.

Fundamentals of Airline Filter Regulators

Airline filter regulators are imperative to the smooth running of many components that impact a system’s operation, such as valves and cylinders. When air leaves a compressor it is wet, hot and dirty. This can badly damage and shorten the life of downstream equipment. Before the air can be recycled and reused it must be filtered, regulated and lubricated. In this article, Fluid Controls will discuss the features of a filter regulator and talk you through our range of Norgren air filter regulators.

Parker Filter Regulator Catalogue

Fluid Controls stocks a wide range of FRL units by Parker. These combination filter/regulators and lubricators can be used across many industries, including the Process and Energy industries. At Fluid Controls, we offer a range of FRL units by Parker, including a selection of air-line, pressure high flow and single phase regulators. These Parker FRL units are recognised around the world for their performance, resilience and dependability. They are built to the highest of quality standards with an assortment of variations that allow them to perform multiple functions. Here, Fluid Controls presents the Parker filter regulator catalogue, outlining all of the Parker Filter Regulators we offer.

Pressure relief valve vs back pressure regulator

What is the difference between a pressure relief valve and a back pressure regulator? In this blog, Fluid Controls will outline the key features and benefits of each to help with your buying decisions.